Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his counterpart Donald Trump in an interview published Sunday, saying that the American will soon “restore order” in Europe.
Putin spoke with Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin, who presents the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin on state media channel Russia-1.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment by email.
Why It Matters
Concerns grow about the future of the war in Ukraine under a Trump presidency, and as officials anticipate whether the Republican will take a softer stance with Putin.
The new president has pledged to bring an end to the grinding war in Ukraine, which enters its fourth year this month. He has yet to hold talks with Putin on the conflict.
Russia’s relations with the West are at their lowest since the Cold War. Relations have strained as members of the NATO military alliance commit to providing financial and military support to Ukraine in the war.
What To Know
Trump, who entered office for a second term in the White House on January 20, will ensure that European leaders will stand at his feet and “gently wag their tails,” Putin told Zarubin.
The Russian president said he believes there is “some fuss” between political elites in Europe and Trump.
Europe “mentally liked” Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden more, while Trump “has different views about what is right and what is wrong, including in gender policy and other issues,” Putin said. He added that Europe was at a loss when Trump won the election, although previously they “were happy to carry out any order” from Washington.
Calling Trump a “master,” Putin said the U.S. leader will restore order in Europe quite quickly with his character and persistence.
“You’ll see, it will happen quickly—soon, they will all stand at the feet of the master and will gently wag their tails. Everything will fall into place,” the Russian president said.
On January 20, Putin congratulated Trump on his inauguration and told him that Moscow was “open for dialogue” with the new administration over the Russia-Ukraine war.
Before congratulating Trump, the Russian leader took aim at Biden for a breakdown in relations between Washington and Moscow, largely caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Trump has suggested that both Russia and Ukraine must make concessions in the war. Kyiv has rejected any suggestions of ceding territory to Moscow, while Putin has demanded that Ukraine give up its aspirations of joining the NATO military alliance.
What People Are Saying
Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalist Pavel Zarubin: “I assure you, Trump, with his character, with his persistence, will restore order there quite quickly, and all of them—you’ll see, it will happen quickly—soon they will all stand at the feet of the master and will gently wag their tails. Everything will fall into place.”
What Happens Next
Trump has said he will speak with Putin soon. He told reporters on Sunday that talks and meetings are scheduled “with various parties, including Ukraine and Russia.”
MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP/Getty Images
